Metro Newsbits for March 18, 2014

March 18, 2014

Navotas Assistance

As part of its continuous support to the Adopt-a-City program of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Navotas city government turned over financial assistance worth P2 million to the municipalities of Lawa-an and Giporlos, Eastern Samar. Lawa-an Mayor Nida Gabornes and Giporlos Mayor Mark Biong personally visited Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco Monday and accepted the financial assistance that was equally distributed to them. Gabornes thanked Navotas City for the immediate assistance the latter sent to the municipality of Lawa-an several days after super-typhoon “Yolanda” hit the Visayas region last November. (Carlo S. Suerte Felipe)

Muslim Office

The Muntinlupa City government has created its own Muslim Affairs Office to cater to the needs of residents belonging to the Islamic faith. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed an executive order for the creation of the Muntinlupa City Muslims Affairs Office (MCMAO). One of the first tasks of the MCMAO is to determine the Muslim population and identify associations and organizations to help the city government in implementing its plans in the city. Muslim organizations are encouraged to apply for accreditation with the city government. According to the city government, the MCMAO is mandated to help Muslims find jobs and sources of income. MCMAO will also coordinate with other city agencies to promote Muslim traditions and customs while actively looking after the welfare of Muslims and ensuring peace and order in their communities. (Jonathan Hicap)

L.P.G. Blast

The Pasay City-Bureau of Fire Protection (Pasay-BFP) has intensified its campaign on fire safety following the explosion of an LPG tank that caused injuries to two women residing in Tramo, Pasay City last Thursday. Mayor Antonino Calixto expressed concern over the accident which he said could have been prevented had the residents exercised basic fire safety precautions. According to reports, the two women who were residents of Barangay 156 in Tramo district suffered injuries after they reconnected a faulty hose into their LPG and thereafter turned on their gas stove. The incident prompted Calixto to direct the Pasay-BFP to make fire safety awareness a year-round concern to ensure that communities and households are safe and not only during the Fire Prevention Month. (Jean Fernando)

Estero Swimming

With the summer season officially expected this week, a Quezon City councilor warned the public against wading, plunging and swimming on the city’s esteros, rivers, ponds and canals, citing the danger of acquiring communicable diseases. Majority Floor Leader Jesus Manuel Suntay said in some cases these diseases acquired from murky water are difficult to cure which often result to exorbitant medical expenses. He appealed to the parents to look after their children who might want to beat the heat of the summer months by wading or plunging to the city’s polluted waterways. (Chito A. Chavez)

Chemical Attack

Two persons were injured when an unidentified suspect suddenly threw a still undetermined chemical at them in San Juan City early yesterday. Injured were Jeffrey Daclison, 30, therapist at Eutopia Spa, of 407 Block 1 Austria Compound, San Joaquin, Pasig and Racquel Casulla, 40, trainer at Eutopia Spa. The suspect was described only as male, 5’4″ to 5’6″ tall, dark complexionED and clad in a white t-shirt and maong pants. PO3 Gener Antozo of the Station Investigation Division of the San Juan City Police Station reported that the incident happened at around 12:30 a.m. in front of Mangan carinderia located at the corner of Ortigas and J. Abad Santos Street in Barangay Little Baguio in San Juan. (Rizal S. Obanil)